Devotion 13

High Standards for a Wife - Devotion 12

For this devotion enjoy the characteristics of a noble wife. If you are female then seek to emulate her. If you are male then look for such characteristics in those around you. Set your standards high. Date, be patient and seek the Lord first. Ask for forgiveness and for the Holy Spirit's help.

Proverbs 31:10-31

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. (NIV)

Prayer: Thankfor these words of Wisdom. They are beyond grasp for myself and those around me. They are everyday and not pie in the sky. Help me to care about taking care of those around me and having such high respect for others. Help me to be and be in relationships with people that are noble. Thank-you for doing these very things for me through Jesus Christ. Amen